Futsal

Grant and Hodgson called up to Young Matildas Squad

What a week it has been for Charlotte Grant. After winning the Shirley Brown Medal for her outstanding efforts in the 2018 Women’s National Premier League, Charlotte was awarded with an Adelaide United contract for the upcoming 2018/19 Westfield W-League. To cap off a fantastic week, on Tuesday, Charli was named in the Young Matildas squad for the upcoming AFC U19 Women’s Championships in Beirut, Lebanon.

“It's been a crazy week and I did not expect any of this. I'm very grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout the years to help me achieve these goals” Charlotte said when asked about her week so far.

Charlotte has achieved her spot in the squad after a magnificent season with the FFSA NTC squad, scoring 8 goals in her 20 appearances, playing in a pivotal attacking midfield position. Charlotte also had the opportunity to travel with the NTC squad to Japan in March where they had the opportunity to play in the Saitama International Football Festival. When asked about how that trip has prepared her for the trip to Lebanon, Charlotte said,

“Travelling to Japan with the NTC was a great experience not only because it was my first overseas trip but it was also great to see how different countries play. This has helped me towards preparing for this trip to Lebanon. To now be travelling away with the National team is an honour”.

The tournament in Lebanon marks the start of the Young Matildas path to the 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Australia will need to top their group, or finish as one of the two best runners-up in the first stage of qualifying, to advance to the second round of the qualification process which will be held in April next year.

“I am looking forward to training and playing with such a talented group of girls which will allow me to learn so much more. I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to represent my country” Charlotte also said when asked about what she is looking forward to when she travels to Lebanon. Charlotte will be joined by fellow South Australian Emily Hodgson (West Adelaide/Adelaide United) who was also named in the Young Matildas squad travelling today to Lebanon.

Football Federation SA congratulates both Charlotte and Emily on being selected into the squad and wish the Young Matildas all the best in the tournament. The team travel to Lebanon today with their first match on Wednesday October 24 against Mongolia. Follow @TheMatlidas on Twitter and Instagram for all action from the 2018 U19 AFC Women’s Championships.